Basic Nutrients

1
Basic Nutrients

• By Erin and Ashleigh

2
Vocabulary

• Amino Acid
• Constipation
• Calories
• Vitamins
• Minerals

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Carbohydrates

• Provides glucose to maintain blood sugar levels
• Used for cellular structure and as an energy
  supply
• Simplest carbohydrate is a monosaccharide
  (glucose fructose)

4
Fiber

• Not a main nutrient but it is still very
  important
• Helpful to prevent diarrhea and constipation
• Slows emptying of the stomach
• Protects lining cells in the intestines

5
Protein

• Used for energy and cellular structure
• Composed of strands of amino acids (a simple
  organic compound containing both a carboxyl and
  amino group)
• Protein deficiency results in low body weight and
  poor growth

6
Fats

• Lipids
• Adds palatability to food (taste better)
• Used for energy and cellular structure
• Insulates the animal
• Provides a bit of protection to organs

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Water

• Makes up 2/3 of body
• Transports nutrients, wastes and hormones
• Helps control body temperature

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Vitamins

• Fat Soluble
• Absorbed in intestinal tract with fat, excess
  absorbed in fat reserves
• Vitamins A,D, E and K
• Water Soluble
• Not stored in body, excess excreted in urine
• Vitamins B and C

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Minerals

• A solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence
• Micro-minerals
• Involved with enzyme reactions
• Included in hormones such as iodine and thyroid
• Macro-minerals
• Required in large amounts
• calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium,
  and zinc.

10
Copper Toxicity

• Caused by excessive copper intake
• Found in grain formulated feeds for cattle
• Sheep are susceptible

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Summary

• Main Nutrients
• Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals
  and water
• Fiber is not a basic nutrient but it is very
  important
• Deficiency in any of the 6 basic nutrients result
  in low performance or even death
• To maintain a healthy animal, ensure all 6
  nutrients are available in daily rations